Yayasan PETRONAS and Sabah Forestry Department collaborate to restore Kungkular Forest Reserve with local communities

TENOM, October 4, 2024 -- Yayasan PETRONAS, the social impact arm of PETRONAS, and the Sabah Forestry Department have launched the Kungkular Forest Reserve Restoration Program. This initiative aims to restore 185 hectares of degraded forest in Tenom, and includes agro-forestry activities with the involvement of nearby local communities.

The launch ceremony was officiated by the Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests of the Sabah Forestry Department, Indra Purwandita H., and witnessed by the CEO of Yayasan PETRONAS, Puan Hajah Shariah Nelly Francis. This strategic partnership was formalized at the Heart of Borneo International Conference 2023 in Kota Kinabalu. It is also part of Yayasan PETRONAS’s initiative to plant one million trees a forest restoration effort focusing on building community resilience.

Shariah Nelly stated that today’s launch is a long-term initiative aimed at building community resilience to climate change challenges while conserving the environment through Nature-based Solutions.

This initiative involves tree planting activities carried out with the local communities from Kampung Kungkular, Kampung Nanturaan, Kampung Lohot, and Kampung Sosopon. It includes knowledge and skills sharing, site preparation and nurseries, tree planting, maintenance, and sustainability planning.

“The nearby local communities, consisting 202 households (948 residents), will also be empowered through agroforestry activities such as integrated farming. Their knowledge and skills will be enhanced with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), including the importance of protecting local ecological systems for food and water security. These activities also involve partners from relevant agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Veterinary Services, and the Department of Fisheries to ensure continuous guidance and support towards realizing Yayasan PETRONAS’ commitment to environmental sustainability under the Planting Tomorrow initiative.

“Community involvement in nature-based initiatives helps build a shared sense of responsibility in caring for the environment. This not only encourages cooperation in protection efforts but also raises awareness on the importance of preserving the ecosystem for the common good,” she added.

Release ID: 89142875